Tape LED: power, classification, varieties

In the modern world, the LED strip is used to illuminate a variety of objects both inside and outside the room. Therefore, this product is so popular. But in order for it to fully perform the functions assigned to it, it is necessary to take the device very seriously.

It is generally accepted that among all the characteristics that LED tape has, power is one of the primary indicators. It and a number of other features determine the scope of the lighting device. Therefore, when choosing the presented products, you need to know which parameters you need to pay attention first.

general characteristics

Tape LED, the power of which must be selected very deliberately, has a special design. This is a flexible board on which necessary contacts are printed. On this basis, the diodes are evenly distributed. They are the source of light of this product.

The thickness of this tape does not exceed 2-3 mm. Its width is 8 or 10 mm. To limit the current passing through the diodes, resistors are mounted on the tape. The popularity of this illuminator is explained by its durability and economy. On average, the devices are operating from 50 to 100 thousand hours. At the same time, they consume a minimal amount of energy resources.

Depending on the power of the tape, as well as a number of other characteristics, it can be used for outline lighting of facades, paths, landscaping objects, and also for creating advertising. Inside the room, the ribbon also participates in creating a variety of interior design effects. The range of applications of these products is very large.

Types of diodes

First of all, it should be said that today there are two types of tapes. They are labeled as RGB and SMD devices. The first version allows its owner to create a variety of shades of lighting. Its each separate element consists of 3 diodes. Hence the name of the device. The diodes glow red, green and blue (Red, Green, Blue - RGB).

For such a tape, you need to purchase a special control panel, which is called a controller. The power consumption of the LED strip affects the selection of this control unit. It will control not only the color emitted by the device, but also its brightness, intensity.

The second type of tapes is the device SMD - Surface Mounted Device, which means "surface mounted device". The diodes of this product are monochrome. They are white, blue, green, red or yellow. This is a cheaper device.

Size of LEDs

The power of the LED ribbon directly depends on the size and number of its individual elements. They allow you to create the required intensity of glow. First of all, we need to consider the size of diodes. Marking of products allows you to understand what type of illuminator is on sale.

First, this designation indicates the product type (RGB or SMD). Further, the marking contains 4 digits. This is the size of the diodes. If, for example, it is written in the marking SMD3528, it means that its lighting elements have a length and a width of 3.5 x 2.8 mm.

There are also larger diodes - 5050 or 5630. The brightness of the SMD3528 is 5 lumens. This is a certain measure of the glow of the tape. Power LED tape 5050 and 5630 will be more. The luminous flux emitted by these diodes, respectively, will be 15 and 18 lumens. Due to these qualities, the LED strip can replace the usual energy-saving light bulb in terms of brightness.

Number of diodes on the tape

Another important factor that determines the power of the LED tape per meter is the number of diodes. Their frequency is different in different devices. Standard products are produced with a number of elements per 1 m equal to 60 pcs.

To increase the brightness and power of the tape, the number of diodes is increased. For tape SMD3528, it is possible to increase the concentration of lighting elements to 120 and even 240 pcs. At 1 m. But such a large number of diodes is unacceptable for ribbons with diodes of large dimensions. Therefore, for SMD5050 and SMD5630 the concentration of these elements is 30, 60 or 120 pieces. On 1 m.

It should also be noted that the brightness of the glow sometimes does not depend on the concentration or size of the diodes, but on the type of radiation or light temperature. It ranges from 3000 K to 7000 K. The brightest are the tapes, whose glow range is in the range of 5500-7000 K.

Power

Calculation of the power of the LED tape is made, based on the size and number of its elements per running meter. This indicator is measured in watts. SMD3528 tape is characterized by a luminescence power for 60 diodes - 4.8 W, 120 diodes - 9.6 W, and for 240 diodes - 16.8 W. All the manufacturers of these products adhere to these characteristics.

The most common are the SMD5050 tapes. For them, too, there is a certain capacity per running meter. If the tape contains 30 diodes, this figure is 7.2 W. 60 diodes endow the product with a power of 14.4 watts, and 120 diodes - 28.8 watts.

These characteristics are necessarily taken into account when choosing. The type of power supply depends on this. If this option is selected incorrectly, the device will not work for a long time. Its power supply will overheat, or the tape will not work at all. Therefore, the calculation of power is mandatory.

Power calculation

To properly select the power supply and make a quality connection, you need to learn how to calculate the power of the LED strip. This is a simple technology. First, it is determined how much power the presented equipment will have at 1 m. This technology was given above.

Then the value found is multiplied by the number of meters of the tape. For example, there is a device whose length is 5 m. Its power per meter is 4.6 W. Hence it follows that the power of the entire tape is calculated as follows:

• 5 m х 4.6 W / m = 23 Wh.

In order for the adapter to work correctly, it needs to provide some power reserve. If the tape is characterized by an indicator of 23 W, then the control unit is required a little more powerful. A device suitable for 28 W is suitable. The power reserve is 20%.

Adapter Selection

The power of the LED strip helps to choose the correct control unit. Presented today in the sale of diode devices operate from a direct current. In this case, they need to provide a voltage of 12 or 24 V. There are still tapes working on the presented indicator of 36 V, but they are very rare.

Finding the right adapter is easy. First, it is necessary to study the marking of the lighting device. It must indicate the voltage. Most often, the consumer is presented with 12V tapes. The power supply must necessarily correspond to this indicator.

It is not necessary to select adapters with a large margin of power. The higher this characteristic, the more the device is worth. Experts say that a 20% power reserve will be enough. This will allow the tape to work correctly.

Protection class

The power of the LED tape per meter is an important characteristic for the presented product. But this is not the only parameter that is based on the choice. Depending on the application, there are different classes of tape protection.

For a dry room with normal environmental conditions, no open dust, open types of instruments are used. Their labeling contains the IP20 index.

If the room is quite wet, you can use devices with epoxy resin protection. This material protects the surface of the tape, but not the LEDs. Therefore, for street installation this option is not suitable. The protection class of this tape is marked IP65.

For street installation, monolithic silicone tapes are used. It is protected from the negative impact of the environment all elements of the structure. Their protection class is IP68.

Expert advice

Tape LED, the power of which is selected in accordance with all the rules, will work for a long time. But this is true only in the case of the purchase of a product of known and proven trademarks. Experts advise not to buy cheap and substandard tapes.

Durable products can not have uneven edges of the tape or crooked pasted LEDs. Therefore, before making a purchase, you need to inspect the lighting device. Of the inexpensive, but high-quality brands experts identify Feron, Maxus. According to reviews of ordinary users, such LED strip will last at least 5 years.

A special approach when choosing a ribbon requires LED. The power and special characteristics of this device allow you to purchase and correctly connect the most suitable version of the product.